The Top Ten Tips for Effective Communication at Work
We don't only "work" at work - we also communicate: with our co-workers, bosses and clients. Communicating well has a huge impact not only on our success and progress at work but also on our personal feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
Depending on customary communication skills you can experience your office as a battleground and/or a minefield or a place where you feel comfortable; where great ideas and knowledge are freely expressed, shared and evaluated.
By applying the 10 tips for effective communication at work you can create a positive and constructive energy field around you that encourages and empowers others to do the same.1. Respect yourself & your boundaries
Clarify to yourself and to your colleagues which topics are off-limits for you at the workplace and at what times you are NOT available for a friendly chat. Be clear and consistent about these personal boundaries. Make sure that when you are talking with someone you give them your full and undivided attention.2. Show that you care about your work
Show with your own behavior that you are not interested in personal win-or-lose games or who is right or who is wrong. Let it be known that what matters to you most is to explore which approach will create the best results for your division / company.3. Speak with confidence, purpose and precision
Know what you are talking about and be precise in your statements. Prepare well for meetings. Advise when you are brainstorming versus having fully thought through what you are presenting. People want to be able to trust and believe in what you are saying, knowing that you really mean it and have done your homework.4. Ask for and listen to other people's input
Don't assume that you know their thoughts. Everybody likes to be listened to; to feel that their thoughts and contributions are heard and appreciated. Maybe you'll even gain new insights or perspectives!5. Build bridges
Show respect for and interest in the other person's point of view regardless of whether you share it or not. It's not necessary to always agree with everybody. Disagreement doesn't make one a bad person, it allows for discussion. Be curious, not judgmental; being curious about others' thoughts and ideas builds bridges.6. Open doors instead of shutting them
Look for and emphasize the common ground you share with your co-workers and/or your boss. Be constructive and non-threatening when discussing solutions.7. Communicate to create solutions
Avoid just listing problems and complaining. Nobody wants to hear that. Chances are others know what the problems are, so focus on what you are willing to contribute to lessen the negative impact of past mistakes or current problems.8. Follow through on follow-up
Follow up important conversations with a brief written re-cap and action plan. Not only will you display your professionalism, but you will also create a record for future reference. It also provides an excellent opportunity for all participants to review what was discussed; to ensure that everybody is on the same page and nothing slips through the cracks.9. Acknowledge your humanity
Acknowledge mistakes or errors and apologize if necessary. Similarly, don't be afraid to say I don't know. Discuss which steps you will take or already have taken to remedy the situation or to correct the mistake. It is a sign of strength and will enhance your credibility. Nobody's perfect and funnily enough people like, trust and respect us more that way!10. Be in touch with yourself
Recognize when your personal problems or a bad mood negatively affect your communication style at work. Take a deep breath or a short break to re-focus on the present moment and the task at hand.
About the SubmitterThis piece was originally submitted by Gaby Sappington, Certified Professional Coach and Media Trainer with a degree in Sociology and Economic Science, who can be reached at gaby@openingdoorscoaching.com or visited on the web. Gaby Sappington wants you to know: In addition to working with clients one-on-one, Gaby also holds workshops and seminars on all aspects of effective communication and presentation skills.